Strategic Plan and Equity Framework

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Our Vision

Santa Cruz County is a healthy, safe and more affordable community that is culturally diverse, economically inclusive and environmentally vibrant.

Our Mission

An open and responsive government, the County of Santa Cruz delivers quality, data-driven services that strengthen our community and enhance opportunity.

Our Values

The County of Santa Cruz provides services and supports partnerships built on:

Accountability
Collaboration
Compassion
Effectiveness
Innovation
Respect
Support
Transparency
Trust

County Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.

Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

Overview
Vision, Mission, Values
Equity Statement
Community Indicators
Goals
Theory of Change
Alignment and Partners

A Local Government
focused on results

The Santa Cruz County Strategic Plan for 2018-2024 was approved by the Board in June 2018. A revised planning effort will kick off in 2025. To have your voice included:

Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.

Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

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Community Indicators

Community indicators are the data and trends that we look at to understand the population we serve. Indicators will align with the County's CORE Conditions of Well-Being. Community indicators are currently under development, and will be presented to the Board for consideration in 2024.

Community Results

DataShare Santa Cruz County

Goals

Comprehensive Health & Safety

Attainable
Housing

Reliable
Transportation

Sustainable
Environment

Dynamic
Economy

Operational
Excellence

1. Comprehensive Health & Safety

A. Health Equity

Promote a safe and healthy community that nurtures body and mind across all ages and social conditions.

B. Community Support

Provide access to food and basic support through integrated health care and social services.

C. Local Justice

Increase public safety through practices, partnerships and transformative opportunities that respect victims and reduce recidivism.

D. Behavioral Health

Support residents and improve community impacts through increased access to integrated mental health, substance use disorder and health care services.

2. Attainable Housing

A. Affordable Housing

Partner to develop affordable housing, lower barriers to housing solutions, and access new funding sources.

B. Community Development

Sustain and rejuvenate communities by integrating places to live, work and play.

C. Local Inventory

Increase and diversify housing options through smart growth programs, adaptive reuse and innovation.

D. Homelessness

Expand services to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability.

3. Reliable Transportation

A. Regional Mobility

Improve road infrastructure and intra-county connectivity, and enhance commuting solutions.

B. Community Mobility

Grow alternative transportation networks, and lower barriers to mobility.

C. Local Roads

Upgrade pavement conditions and road safety for everyone.

D. Public Transit

Work to enhance functionality and promote use of public transit.

4. Sustainable Environment

A. Outdoor Experience

Ensure access to and enhance experience in parks, open spaces, water areas and outdoor activities.

B. Natural Resources

Protect and restore natural resources, including water, air, forests, coastline and agricultural lands.

C. Local Conservation

Support and strengthen efforts for clean air and water, conservation, renewable energy, recycling and reuse.

D. Climate Change

Increase resilience to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and changing weather patterns.

5. Dynamic Economy

A. Regional Workforce

Create opportunities to develop a quality workforce and increase family-wage jobs in support of the regional economy.

B. Community Vitality

Stimulate vibrant and inclusive economies offering robust shopping, dining, cultural and gathering spaces.

C. Local Businesses

Strengthen and retain small businesses and key sectors through innovation, flexibility and technology.

D. Educational Opportunity

Support partnerships that promote early learning, higher education, and vocational and lifelong studies.

6. Operational Excellence

A. Customer Experience

Provide our customers with equitable access to efficient, effective and culturally responsive services.

B. County Workforce

Attract, grow and retain a diverse, engaged and high - performing County workforce that reflects our community.

C. County Infrastructure

Maximize and responsibly maintain County assets in support of community goals.

D. Continuous Improvement

Embrace innovation and continuous improvement to optimize County operations and maintain fiscal stability.

Theory of Change

The Strategic Plan and Equity Statement are visions of a brighter future for Santa Cruz County. A theory of change is a map or path for how we can achieve that future together.

Alignment and Partners

The County cannot achieve its vision on its own. We have to align and work together with our government, nonprofit, business, and community partners.

Cities

Government Agencies

Educational Institutions

Business Partners

Philanthropic Partners